Miyako-jima is the largest and the most populous island among the eight Miyako Islands.
Miyako-jima is a low, coral island that doesn't have any mountains or rivers. Because of this, virtually no sediments enter the waters, making the surrounding ocean incredibly transparent and blue, sometimes referred to as "Miyako blue".
What makes this island so special, you say?
In this article, I will introduce top 3 locations & a local celebrity that makes this island truly unique.
- 1. Yonaha Maehama Beach | The most beautiful beach in the East
- 2. Sunayama Beach | The incredible, naturally made stone arch
- 3. Higashi Hennazaki | Japan's southernmost climbable lighthouse
- 4. Miyako-jima Mamoru-kun | The guardian of Miyako-jima's traffic
- Take a drive, and enjoy Miyako-jima!
1. Yonaha Maehama Beach | The most beautiful beach in the East
Yonaha Maehama Beach is the most famous beach in Miyako-jima, or maybe even for Okinawa as a whole. The bright white sands and cobalt blue sea is commonly referred to as "the most beautiful beach in the East." Known locally as "Maipama beach", this is a beloved spot for many.
The sand is powdery, and almost pure white. It feels really good to your feet, so having a walk along the coast makes a blissful experience. The coastline extends about 7km, so you may walk all you like.
The bridge that can be seen from afar is the Kurima Bridge, bridging Miyako-jima and Kurima-jima. The bridge is crossable by foot, so you can view the beach from atop the bridge.
▼Yonaha Maehama Beach
Address: 1199-1 Yonaha, Shimoji, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Parking: Available (free of charge)
2. Sunayama Beach | The incredible, naturally made stone arch
Sunayama (砂山 lit. "sand-hill") beach is located in the northern part of Miyako-jima, about 4km away from the city center, making this a very accessible beach.
As the name suggests, you have to pass through a sandy hill in order to get to the beach. This path is harder to cross than it looks, but the coming scenery is well worth the effort.
There is one particular reason why this beach is famous: the arched boulder. This boulder was created by continuous erosion caused by waves over countless years. It is truly a marvel of nature.
Unfortunately, getting close to the boulder is currently off-limits due to falling rocks and collapses, so please be sure to keep a safe distance.
▼ Sunayama Beach
Address: 705 Nikadori, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Parking: Available (free of charge)
3. Higashi Hennazaki | Japan's southernmost climbable lighthouse
Higashi Hennazaki is the name for the easternmost cape in Miyako-jima. On the top of cape, there is a lighthouse that can be entered & climbed freely by the public. By the way, there are 16 lighthouses that are publicly open in Japan, and this would be the southernmost one.
The scenery viewed from atop the lighthouse is stunning. The coastline of Miyako-jima, the blue sea, and the boulders off shore… a panoramic view of a lifetime can be seen here.
The boulders off the shore are said to be the aftermath of an enormous tsunami that happened in 1771. It is definitely a unique but beautiful feature of this sea.
▼Higashi Hennazaki
Address: 1221-14 Bora, Gusukube, Miyako-jima City, Okinawa, Japan
Parking: Available (free of charge)
4. Miyako-jima Mamoru-kun | The guardian of Miyako-jima's traffic
By far the most famous and beloved character that has originated from Miyako-jima is Miyako-jima Mamoru-kun.
Mamoru-kun is the guardian of traffic, often seen on roadsides in densely trafficked areas ("まもる=mamoru" in Japanese means "to protect," as well as it being a popular boy's name). Currently, there are about 20 Mamoru-kuns scattered around the island, and they each have their own unique name. They are described as being brothers, except one girl named Maruko.
Each Mamoru-kuns have their distinctive style, which adds to their charm.
Driving around Miyako-jima looking for all the different Mamoru-kuns can make a great activity in itself. Remember, however, that Mamoru-kuns are the overlookers of traffic, so be sure to take necessary safety precautions when taking pictures.
There are also many Mamoru-kun related gifts and souvenirs for you to pick up. This should make a very unique gift to give to your folks back home.
Take a drive, and enjoy Miyako-jima!
There I introduced you to some of the great scenic locations of Miyako-jima, as well as the extremely charismatic Mamoru-kun.
Renting a car and driving around the island while checking out all the Mamoru-kuns should gurantee a great time in Miyako-jima. Please be sure to abide all traffic safety laws while doing so!
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